Melianus Sondegau was arrested on 3 June 2022 during a protest for rejecting the creation of the establishment of new provinces (a process known as pemekaran) in West Papua, rejecting special autonomy law extension, and calling for referendum organised by Papuan People's petition (PRP) in the town of Nabire. According to media report, the protest was forcibly dispersed by the police and 23 protestors. They were identified as: Mikael Kudiai, Yulianus Janambani, Kris Mote, Simson pigai, Dimibeu Goo, Desenan Agapa, Melianus Doo, Yonas Douw, Yuliance Mote, Melianus Sondegau, Aprianus Sondegau, Nolianus Zanambani, Aguni Sondegau, Jonius sagani, Agustinus Sani, Agustinus Sondegau, Man Kobogau, Marinus Duwitau, Epinus Sani, Tobi Bagubau, Alex Sondegau, Nason Sani, Adiknas Pekei. All of them were released after a brief detention.